Political Blotter: Bill would increase penalty for grease theft

This is a sampling from Bay Area News Group's Political Blotter blog. Read more and post comments at www.ibabuzz.com/politics.

Aug. 18

A bill to boost penalties for stealing used cooking oil is on its way to Gov. Jerry Brown's desk.

Yes, you read that correctly -- used cooking oil. Apparently oil from restaurants' deep fryers has become a hot commodity worth a lot of money, with thieves draining it in the dead of night and selling it for conversion into clean-burning biofuel. Ah, California.

"As the alternative fuels market keeps growing, the demand for inedible kitchen grease based biofuels will grow as well," Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, the bill's author, said in a news release.

"The price increases stemming from this new demand will make grease theft a more lucrative crime in the coming years," he said. "AB1566 provides law enforcement with the tools to combat grease theft and protect the burgeoning biofuels market by beefing up requirements for licensed haulers, increasing the penalties for stealing grease and allowing law enforcement to impound vehicles for up to 15 days."

The penalties have been so minor that many law enforcement agencies don't even respond when owners report the theft, Holden contends. But according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, a typical fast-food restaurant produces 150-250 pounds of grease a week and a fully loaded pumper truck could bring inasmuch as $900 at a recycling center.

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The Assembly voted 70-0 Monday to send the bill to Brown's desk. The state Senate had approved it 35-0 one week ago.

Aug. 20

Gubernatorial candidates often talk about the affordability of higher education, but not quite like this.

Republican Neel Kashkari is offering a $25,000 scholarship to the California college student who can create the best 30-second ad for his campaign.

"College students are extremely creative and today my campaign is offering them the opportunity to help change the direction of California," Kashkari said in a news release Wednesday. "We need to harness the creativity and vision of college students and encourage them to participate in the political process. I'm thrilled to announce this contest to achieve both important goals."

The deadline to submit a 30-second or shorter ad, which will be used by the campaign, potentially online or on broadcast or cable television, is 11:59 p.m. Sept. 24; the $25,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winning entrant or team. Full rules, including sizing, timing and how to submit an ad, are posted on Kashkari's website.

"I encourage parents, friends and students to spread the word about this contest," Kashkari said. "We can change California if we harness the energy and creativity of our students."